Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has made a passionate appeal for total peace in the state, emphasizing the need for unity and adherence to the Supreme Court judgment.
He urged members of the Rivers State House of Assembly to comply fully with the ruling, stressing that the overall interest of the state should come first.
Fubara made this statement today during the inauguration of the newly renovated Okrika Grammar School in Okrika Local Government Area.
He underscored that peace was a prerequisite for good governance, development, and long-term stability in Rivers State.
“It is important at this stage that we all embrace peace. The Supreme Court has given its judgment, and we have no option but to abide by it,” the governor said.
He further urged all political stakeholders in the state to set aside their differences and work towards ensuring a harmonious environment where development could thrive.
“We have started the process, and we are appealing to other parties to consider the interest of Rivers State. The only thing we owe this state is peace and development. I am open any day, any time for total peace in our state because for me to govern well, there must be peace.”
Commitment to Education: Inauguration of Okrika Grammar School
Speaking at the event, Governor Fubara recalled the circumstances that led to the renovation of Okrika Grammar School. He noted that during the planning of the 20th anniversary of the Diocese of Okrika Anglican Communion, the church had requested government intervention in rehabilitating the dilapidated school.
“I felt the least we could do as a government was to uplift the standard of this school. It aligns with our agenda, which prioritizes healthcare, education, and agriculture for food sufficiency,” he explained.
The governor reassured the Anglican Church and residents of Okrika that the remaining aspects of the school’s rehabilitation would be completed as planned. He emphasized that education remains a cornerstone for societal development, and improving educational facilities would significantly reduce crime among the youth.
“I believe that when all the facilities in this school are put to full use, crime rates will drop, not just in Okrika, but in neighboring communities that will benefit from this institution,” he said.
Features of the Newly Renovated School
The Rivers State Commissioner for Education, Dr. Ovy Chukwuma, highlighted the extensive remodeling and reconstruction of Okrika Grammar School, calling it a testament to Governor Fubara’s commitment to quality education.
He stated that the project was awarded in April 2024 and fully funded by the Rivers State Government. The newly improved school now includes:
- An administrative block
- 24 classroom blocks
- A science laboratory
- An ICT library
- An assembly hall
- A 100-bed male hostel
- A 100-bed female hostel
- A kitchen and dining hall
- A matron’s quarters
- A sickbay
- Principal’s quarters
- Senior and junior staff quarters
- Perimeter fencing and a security gate
- A generator house and solar-powered streetlights
In addition, the school now boasts modern sports facilities, a newly paved 1.8-kilometer road network, and an improved drainage system.
Dr. Chukwuma further stated that the classrooms and hostels have been equipped with state-of-the-art furniture, electronic gadgets, air conditioning units, smart televisions, and computer systems.
In her remarks, the Head of Local Government Administration for Okrika, Mrs. Obianime Appollos, commended Governor Fubara for his intervention in restoring the school’s status after years of neglect.
She noted that previous administrations had failed to address the school’s decay, but Fubara had changed the narrative.
Similarly, a representative of the Old Boys Association of Okrika Grammar School, Mr. Golden Iruayenama, acknowledged that past governments had made unfulfilled promises to rehabilitate the institution. He expressed gratitude that Fubara’s administration had finally delivered on this long-awaited project.
“Governor Fubara has done what many before him failed to do. His commitment to education is evident, and we, as alumni, are proud of his work,” Iruayenama stated.
The Bishop of the Diocese of Okrika Anglican Communion, Rt. Rev. Enoch Atuboyedia, described the renovation as a landmark achievement in the history of Okrika Grammar School.
“It will be remembered that when Okrika Grammar School turned 85, Governor Fubara remodelled and resuscitated it to help shape the future of Rivers children,” the bishop said.
Fubara also responded to concerns raised by the Anglican Church regarding shore protection in the area. He assured them that experts would be deployed to assess and address erosion threats around the school premises.
Political Challenges and Call for Stability
Despite his focus on education and development, Governor Fubara has faced political challenges within the Rivers State House of Assembly.
Recently, he alleged that lawmakers had blocked him from presenting the 2025 budget.
However, he remains determined to foster peace and progress. His recent outreach to political stakeholders is part of a broader effort to ensure unity in the state.
“We must move beyond political differences and work together for the good of Rivers State,” he reiterated.
Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s call for total peace in Rivers State comes at a crucial time when political tensions threaten stability. His emphasis on education and development, as demonstrated in the renovation of Okrika Grammar School, highlights his commitment to governance beyond politics.
As the Rivers State Government continues its push for peace and progress, stakeholders across political, educational, and religious sectors are urged to support initiatives that prioritize the future of Rivers State.
